TEEN GARDEN PROGRAM INTERN (SEASONAL)

Knox Public Health is currently seeking candidates to fill a SEASONAL vacancy for the Teen Garden Program Intern.

Position Summary:

Under the general supervision of the Program Coordinator, perform duties associated with Knox Public Health’s teen garden program including:

Supervision & Support:

• • Remain on-site with teens (ages 14-19) at all times, providing guidance, mentorship, and supervision in various settings, including the garden, classroom, kitchen, and farmers market.
  • Foster a safe, inclusive, and engaging learning environment for all participants.

Program Implementation & Safety:

• • Enforce program policies and safety procedures, including contingency plans for inclement weather and communication protocols for absences.
  • Facilitate program orientation for teens and their families, ensuring they understand expectations, policies, and safety guidelines.
  • Utilize an evidence-based curriculum to teach participants how to plant, maintain, harvest, and store produce properly.
  • Oversee the distribution of harvested produce to teens, their families, and the public.

Educational Enrichment & Community Engagement:

• • Collaborate with the Knox County Local Food Council (KCLFC) to schedule at least four life skills educational sessions for program participants, bringing in local experts to cover financial literacy, food preparation, marketing, and nutrition topics.
  • Maintain communication with KCLFC to share program successes, challenges, and needs through email and/or phone.

Garden Maintenance & Program Sustainability:

• • Ensure the upkeep of teen garden plots at designated garden sites.
  • Support the KCLFC in evaluating program effectiveness and identifying opportunities for long-term sustainability.

Essential Knowledge, Abilities and Skills, Education

• Applicants must be a full-time college student, majoring in education, agriculture, environmental science, nutrition, public health, youth development or related field.
• Enthusiasm for working with teens and creating an inclusive, engaging learning environment.
• Applicant must be able to work independently and alongside health department staff.
• Applicant must be dependable and have the ability to understand written instructions, policies, and procedures.
• Applicant must have the ability to lift up to 50 pounds, and work outside in all weather conditions and environments.
• Must possess a valid Ohio Driver’s License and access to a motor vehicle and specified auto insurance coverage.

Job Location

• Travel to off-site locations within Knox County
• Work a general schedule of 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM, although a flexible schedule may be required, including evening, weekend, and holidays
• Work in office settings and outdoors.

Other Responsibilities

• Help with staffing various fairs and festivals
• Become familiar with all Public Health Services
• Respond to public health emergencies as appropriate and/or directed by the Health Commissioner and/or Director of Environmental Health;
• Contribute to continuous quality improvement of individual, program, and organizational performance;
• Performs any and all other related duties as assigned or directed in order to promote, further, and ensure the effective and efficient operations of Knox Public Health;
• Contributes to the development and implementation of organizational strategic plan.

This is a full-time seasonal position, 40 hours per week.

Knox Public Health is an Equal Opportunity Employer

THIS IS NOT A REMOTE OR WORK FROM HOME POSITION